bush in our nation's capital and made stops in other cities, including atlanta, miami, and detroit. on the west coast, tens of thousands turned out for the ultimate pageant of praise. mandela is hailed by many as the father of democracy and throughout the years, united nations was often at the top of his itinerary. >> throughout the many years of struggle, we, as south africans, have been great deal inspired as you took action to ask -- >> reporter: his work garnering countless awards in the u.s. he accepted alongside president jimmy carter to the honorary doctrine he received from harvard. he will be remembered most for ending apartheid and being welcomed as the first black president of south africa? the first open election in that country's history. always a fighter, mandela showed his unwavering support during one of our darkest moment, tour ground zero two months after the september 11th terrorist attacks. >> i am happy, indeed, to be here, to be here to express my sympathies directly at the center of the tragedy. thank you very much. >> reporter: in his last visit to the city i